Step 1: Parts

The only real parts you need for this are a can and a pair of scissors or a razor. If for some reason you dont have a can you can use any metal of the same thickness or slightly thicker.

Step 2: Prepare the metal

Using the scissors, cut off the top and bottom of the can. Then make one long cut down the side of the can to get a sheet of metal. Then flatten out the sheet, and cut off the jagged sides of it, so you end up with a smooth rectangular sheet of metal.

Step 3: Make the marks and cut

The instructions I read for this say to use a strip 1" x 3", however I found it easier to use a slightly more squarish piece works better, so use something about 1 1/4" x 2 1/2". Mark out the rectangles onto the sheet of metal using a sharpie, and then cut them out.

On the smaller rectangles, mark off fourths both vertically and horozintally.

Step 4: Mark the M

Draw a M shape on the rectangle. The M should start out 1/4 in from the left, and shoud be 1/2 up from the bottom, it should curve down so the bottom part is 1/2 in from the left, it should be mirrored on the other side. Its kinda confusing so just look at the photos. After you draw it, cut it out.

Step 5: Folding and shaping

Fold the top 1/4th down, then fold the 2 side parts up and over. After you finish folding wrap it around a bic pen or some round object, roughly the same diameter as the bar on the padlock.

speaking of burglary tools. when I was younger I used a hammer and screwdriver and screw to break into drink machines...not smart and only did once but I got caught. I was charged with a class 5 felony because I had used burglary tools. I ended up pleading down to petty larceny so I didn't have a felony. moral of story...it can always be worse than you think so if you aren't breaking into your own locked thing don't make the tool. some people like me learn but others dont

Aluminum is too weak. I created this set in 1985 from a brass alloy which acts as a lubricant and is verry strong. The more you use them, the smoother they get. See my webpage concerning brass.. padlockjimmy.blogspot.com